Gratitude is more than folded hands and bowed head at a table laden with abundance. It is a heartfelt overwhelm that grabs us and hugs us tight until we want to cry from the joy of it.

Gratitude is more than dropping a dollar or two into the Salvation Army bucket. It’s our heart saying yes to someone’s need when it costs us time and energy, when it draws us away from the comfort of the familiar and the routine.

Gratitude is more than paying lip service in places of worship. It is a sunrise-to-sunset response of Being that takes delight in every circumstance, event, person, object, and sensation that comes our way throughout the day.

Gratitude is more than making a list of things for which we give thanks. It is working that list into the very marrow of our bones so we never forget.

Gratitude is more than being thankful for the smooth, easy paths of life. It is giving thanks for the ruts and boulders that sometimes obstruct our way.

Gratitude knows, when the ruts and boulders appear, they are the way.

Gratitude is more than breathing in the aroma of a roasting turkey. It is also willingness to breath in the mess that, at times, manifests through our humanness.

Gratitude is more than pumpkin pie delighting our taste buds with its spicy sweetness and searching for room in our too-full stomachs. It tastes life deeply and enters into every experience with curiosity and anticipation.

May your Thanksgiving celebration include the whole gamut of Gratitude!